PENAMPANG: There are renewed fears over the possibility of an unknown number of crocodiles at two farms here – in Kg Putaton Kibambangan and Kodondungan – escaping into the Moyog River nearby during floods, which have been frequent and devastating lately.
This follows a viral social media post showing a large number of the reptiles in a pond, supposedly at one of the farms.
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“Those who rear these animals are licensed, but lately the Moyog River has had more and more of these reptiles. Where they came from, we do not know, but as far as I know, the Moyog River used to have no crocodiles. Now there are.
“Everyone is afraid to swim in the river or do activities near the river now,” the post read.
A Daily Express check with the authorities confirmed that the Kibambangan farm is operating legally.
Penampang District Police Chief Supt Sammy Newton said police conducted a follow-up inspection at the farm following the viral video.
“The inspection found the farm has a crocodile meat trading licence issued by the Sabah Wildlife Department,” he said.
Sabah Wildlife Director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, confirmed the company operates legally.
“The Department conducted an annual inspection on June 11, 2025 and so far the farm area has not experienced flood threats. Most of the crocodile ponds are concrete,” he said.
Mohd Soffian added that the Department will conduct a follow-up inspection for confirmation.
Penampang Municipal Council President Noemi Dyena John Tren said she contacted the crocodile farm owner who confirmed that the Wildlife Department licence remains valid until March 2026.
“To proceed with licensing matters, we need input from the Wildlife Department as they have the authority to issue wildlife licences. The Council only issues trading licences,” she said.
“For compliance with licensing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), I believe the Wildlife Department has its own SOPs that applicants must comply with before a licence is issued,” she added.
Noemi said according to the Wildlife Department’s officer the Department conducts monitoring of standard operating procedures (SOPS) and action will be taken if violations occur and compliance checks and risk assessments are conducted before licenses are issued or renewed.
A Sabah Wildlife Department official also assured that the Moyog River is not infested with crocodiles, though there have been reported sightings in Penampang which remain at a manageable stage.
In November last year, authorities conducted a major crocodile survey on the Moyog to safeguard tourists ahead of new water sports activities.
Two boats from the Civil Defence Force, accompanied by two Sabah Wildlife Department teams, carried out patrols on the river.
Worries about living near crocodile farms in the area date back to 2017.
